University of Oxford Begins First Human Trials for Bundibugyo Ebola Vaccine

The current Ebola crisis, declared on May 14, 2026, represents the 17th outbreak of the virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Government data indicates the outbreak has expanded to include 2,473 confirmed cases, with a fatality rate reaching as high as 40%. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, for which approved vaccines and treatments exist, the Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV) currently lacks licensed medical countermeasures.

University of Oxford and Serum Institute Human Trials

In a significant milestone for outbreak response, the University of Oxford launched the first human trial of a vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain in July. The study is evaluating safety and immune response in 50 healthy adult volunteers aged 18 to 55. According to Reuters, the vaccine utilizes ChAdOx1 technology—the same platform used in the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine—and is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

The Serum Institute has already stockpiled approximately 620,000 doses of the vaccine candidate in anticipation of potential emergency use. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has committed up to $8.6 million to support the development of this specific shot.

“We’re doing phase one (early stage) trials of new vaccines all of the time, precisely to be ready for exactly this kind of outbreak.”

Dr Katrina Pollock, chief investigator of the trial based at the University of Oxford, via MSN

Experimental Vaccine Candidates and Funding

While the Oxford candidate is the first to reach human trials, several other organizations are advancing alternative approaches to prevent BDBV transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified a single-dose rVSV vaccine developed by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative as a highly promising candidate. That vaccine, rVSVΔG/BDBV-GP, utilizes technology similar to Merck’s approved Ervebo vaccine for the Zaire strain and has shown survival benefits in non-human primate studies conducted in 2023. CEPI has provided $3.2 million in initial funding for this project, which is estimated to be seven to nine months away from clinical trial readiness.

• Moderna: Partnered with CEPI to advance an mRNA-based BDBV vaccine, with up to $50 million in committed support for development and early clinical testing.

Clinical Trials for Antibody Therapies and Antivirals

Beyond prevention, health authorities are focusing on treating confirmed cases. In early July, the WHO announced the start of a clinical trial in the Congo to evaluate Mapp Biopharmaceutical’s MBP134—a combination of two human monoclonal antibodies—and Gilead Sciences’ antiviral drug, remdesivir. These treatments are being tested both alone and in combination.

The U.S.

Public Health Emergency and Regional Response

On May 17, 2026, the WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, determined that the BDBV outbreak in the DRC and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This designation follows the death of a Congolese man in Kampala, Uganda, which confirmed the cross-border nature of the threat. The WHO is currently coordinating the deployment of rapid response teams and the establishment of safe treatment centers.

According to WHO situation reports, the response effort is underway.

As the conflict between the disease and the medical response continues, WHO officials emphasize that while no licensed treatment currently exists, early supportive care remains the primary method for saving lives in the outbreak zones.